Continuous Display Shelf Edge Label Device

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for providing information along a shelf edge of a retailer is described. On a display configured to be oriented along an edge of a shelf of a retailer, a first user interface including first information about a first product on the shelf is provided. At least one second user interface including at least one second information about at least one second product on the shelf is provided on the display. An individual is permitted to edit a parameter of the first user interface and/or the at least one second user interface. The parameter may include at least one of: a size of the user interface on the display, a shape of the user interface on the display, and a location of the user interface on the display. The first information and the at least one second information may be outputted concurrently to the display.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/836,680, filed Mar. 15, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/194,649, filed Jul. 29, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.8,812,378, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/876,919, filed Sep. 7, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,938,396, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/772,010, filed Feb.3, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,792,711. This application also claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/371,417, filed Aug.6, 2010. This application also claims priority to U.S. application Ser.No. 13/836,680 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser.No. 13/785,082, filed Mar. 5, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,818,148,entitled In-Store Item Alert Architecture. The contents of each of theseapplications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Retail businesses often are tasked with rapid changes in customerproduct interests and in implemented internal changes to handle thesame. As new products become increasingly popular among customers,retailers are tasked with changing shelf edge labels of products inorder to attract customers to other products, market specific products,or to update product information, such as pricing, as quickly aspossible.

Electronic shelf edge label devices allow retailers to manually swap outone device representing one single product for another devicerepresenting another single product or even changing a device to providedifferent information on a single product or to change from outputtingdata on one single product for data on another single product. However,further improvements and innovations in the area of convenience for aretailer are desired.

SUMMARY

A method and apparatus for providing information along a shelf edge of aretailer is described. On a display configured to be oriented along anedge of a shelf of a retailer, a first user interface including firstinformation about a first product on the shelf is provided. At least onesecond user interface including at least one second information about atleast one second product on the shelf is provided on the display. Anindividual is permitted to edit a parameter of the first user interfaceand/or the at least one second user interface. The parameter may includeat least one of: a size of the user interface on the display, a shape ofthe user interface on the display, and a location of the user interfaceon the display. The first information and the at least one secondinformation may be outputted concurrently to the display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some features herein are illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus forcommunicating and distributing content according to one or moreillustrative aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrates example block diagrams of systems forcommunicating and distributing content according to one or moreillustrative aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus forcommunicating and distributing content according to one or moreillustrative aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate an example of a changing continuous displayaccording to one or more illustrative aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate example continuous displays with lockingmechanism according to one or more illustrative aspects of thedisclosure.

FIGS. 5D-5F illustrates an example of a changing continuous display withlocking mechanism user interface according to one or more illustrativeaspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate an example of a changing size of a user interfaceaccording to one or more illustrative aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate an example of a changing shape of a userinterface according to one or more illustrative aspects of thedisclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example of a changing location of userinterfaces according to one or more illustrative aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example method of distributing content accordingto one or more illustrative aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates another example method of distributing contentaccording to one or more illustrative aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example block diagram of a system forcommunicating and distributing content according to one or moreillustrative aspects of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus forcommunicating and distributing content according to one or moreillustrative aspects of the disclosure. Network 110 may include networksof one or more access points, Internet devices, telephone networks,cellular telephone networks, fiber optic networks, local wirelessnetworks (e.g., WiMAX), satellite networks, and any other desirednetwork. The network 110 may include and/or function as a cloudcomputing infrastructure comprising various processing and/or memorydevices (e.g., servers, databases, application providers, etc.).

The various devices described herein, such as a continuous display shelfedge label device, a server, a scanner, a database, a computer, and thelike may be computing devices, and FIG. 1 illustrates general hardwareelements that can be used to implement any of the various computingdevices discussed herein. The computing device 100 may include one ormore processors 101, which may execute instructions of a computerprogram to perform any of the features described herein. Processor 101may comprise a customized digital integrated circuit such as an ASIC.However, in some applications, commercially available processors may beemployed. The instructions may be stored in any type of non-transitorycomputer-readable medium or memory, to configure the operation of theprocessor 101. For example, instructions may be stored in a read-onlymemory (ROM) 102, random access memory (RAM) 103, hard drive 105,removable media 104, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, compactdisk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD), floppy disk drive, or anyother desired electronic storage medium. Instructions may also be storedin an attached (or internal) hard drive 105. One or more of the memories102, 103, 104, and/or 105 may include a more advanced operationenvironment such as an operating system for advanced functionality andadaptability.

One or more memories 102, 103, 104, and/or 105 may include a storedaddress location and display data location data. Address location mayinclude an address that identifies the computing device 100. The addressmay uniquely identify the computing device 100. Display data locationdata may be used by processor 101 to format data to be displayed ondisplay 111. This may include text data, graphics, dynamic content, andcombinations. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the displaydata location data in a memory may is in accordance with a mark-uplanguage such as HTML, XML, or the like. Although shown in FIG. 1 asbeing outside of computing device 100, display 111 also may beintegrated into a same physical housing and/or structure as computingdevice 100. One or more components shown within computing device 100similarly may be housed separately in another device and/or in anotherlocation from computing device 100.

The computing device 100 may include one or more output devices, such asa display 111, and may include one or more output device controllers107, such as a video processor. There may also be one or more user inputdevices (not shown), such as a remote control, keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, microphone, etc. In another embodiment, input/output functionswith a user may occur through display 111 where display 111 may beconfigured to allow for touch screen input in order to see additionaloutput on the display 111. As shown illustratively in the examples ofFIGS. 3-8B, display 111 may be configured to be oriented along an entireedge of a shelf of a retailer. This area of a shelf often includes paperlabels that identify the product being sold above it and possiblyadditional information, such as price, cost/oz., and the like.Electronic shelf labels allow for a similar concept as a paper label,but with an individual computing device with a display screen for eachproduct. Such electronic shelf label devices provide informationregarding the single product being sold above it and possibly additionalinformation, such as price, cost/oz., and the like and may includeadditional output such as video. However, display 111 of FIG. 1 isconfigured to output at least two user interfaces that correlate to twodifferent products that a retailer may be offering for sale.

Display 111, in operation with device controller 107 and/or processor101, may be configured to receive swipes across its surface by anindividual's finger. The swipes of a finger may be correlated to anoperational table for an action to be taken with respect to outputteduser interface data. Display 111, in operation with device controller107 and/or processor 101, may be configured to translate one or morefinger swipes across its surface as one or more particular actions to betaken as described herein. Illustrative examples may includeinterpreting a movement of two fingers on the surface being moved awayfrom each other as an expansion instruction, e.g., an input by anindividual to expand the size of something, such as text size of theuser interface, border design size of the user interface, frame size ofthe user interface, and the like. Other examples include interpretingthe creation of an “X” by two finger movements over top of a userinterface as a deletion instruction, e.g., an input by an individual todelete a user interface. Still other examples include interpreting apress and hold and movement of a finger from one area of the display toanother area of the display as a movement instruction, e.g., an input byan individual to move a user interface from a current location on thedisplay to another location on the display. Yet other illustrativeexamples include interpreting a double tap on the display surface by twofinger taps as an addition instruction, e.g., an input by an individualto add a user interface to that area of the display that was tapped.Still further illustrative examples include interpreting a movement oftwo fingers on the surface being toward each other as a reductioninstruction, e.g., an input by an individual to reduce the size ofsomething, such as text size of the user interface, border design sizeof the user interface, frame size of the user interface, and the like.The examples described herein are merely illustrative and any of anumber of additional input movements/taps across the surface of display111 may be included herein for any of a number of other types ofinstructional requests by an individual to change a parameter of a userinterface on display 111.

In other embodiments, display 111 may be configured to identifymovements of a stylus or other pointing device against its surface in asimilar manner as described herein with respect to an individual'sfingers. A user and display 111 could interact with a stylus as thesource of input by the user. As far as potential authorization of theindividual, some manner of identification/authorization may be builtinto the stylus such that, if in contact with the display 111, thestylus could act as the mechanism for authenticating the individual tomake changes to one or more parameters of the continuous display shelfedge label device as described herein. In still further embodiments,display 111 may be configured to identify movements of an individual'sfinger against its surface for entry of user interface informationdirectly. A user could handwrite pricing information and/or otherinformation about a particular product with her finger on display 111.Software may be included in a memory of the computing device totranslate received finger swipes as corresponding to pricinginformation, product name information, and/or other product datainformation. In such examples, a worker can merely write in the currentpricing for a product.

Similarly, display 111 may be configured to activate an electronickeyboard on screen and/or an electronic keypad. A digital alphanumericuser interface may be displayed on display 111 to allow an authorizedindividual to enter product information data and/or modify a userinterface on display 111 in some other manner. For example, a workercould enter a pricing for a particular product by entering a numbersequence on a displayed digital keypad. An entry of “$” characterfollowed by “1”, “.”, “4”, “9” may be translated by software within amemory of a computing device associated with display 111 as entry of apricing label of $1.49 for a user interface for a particular product. Inother scenarios, a worker may use alphanumeric characters to type intext for display in a user interface of a product, such as “On SaleNow!” In still other scenarios, special digital input options may bemade available to an authorized individual for quick entry. A favoriteslist may prompt a worker to choose from a list where one entry may be“On Sale Now,” a second entry may be “Sale Ends Tomorrow,” while anotherentry may be “Buy 1, Get 1 Free!”

In yet other embodiments, an authorized individual may access display111 in order to access data for a user interface from a remote location.In the example of FIG. 2A where data about products may be maintained indatabase 223, a worker could access display 111 about a particular userinterface for a product. The worker could access the database through avisual file/folder system. Each component of a network systemimplementing the disclosure as described herein may be accessiblethrough a continuous display shelf edge label device and may appear assome type of visual indicator on display 111. A worker could search andfind the applicable component for the requested data (such as find anicon corresponding to the database 223) and access that component(launch the icon) to obtain the desired data. Any of a number ofadditional entry mechanisms may be utilized and the examples describedherein are merely illustrative.

In additional embodiments, display 111 may be configured to includegesture-based interface capabilities as one manner to allow anauthorized individual to edit/manipulate the user interfaces on thedisplay 111. Display 111 may include appropriate hardware and/orsoftware components to interpret gestures of an individual, whether afinger, a hand, and/or some other portion, via mathematical algorithms.These gestures may include one or more of the finger to surface examplesdescribed herein. In some of these embodiments, one or more cameras maybe associated with and/or included with display 111 for capture ofimaging and recognition of gestures. Although the majority of examplesherein are for an individual interfacing with a display with her finger,it should be understood that such examples may be implemented similarlyby way of gesture based technologies as described herein.

The computing device 100 may also include one or more networkinterfaces, such as input/output circuits 109 (such as a networkinterface circuit, a scanner interface circuit, and the like) tocommunicate with an external network 110. The input/output circuits 109may be a wired interface, wireless interface, or a combination of thetwo. The input/output circuits 109 allows for communication between twocomputing devices, such as a continuous display shelf edge label devicesand a scanner, e.g., 200 and 221 in FIG. 2 described herein, acontinuous display shelf edge label devices and a remote user terminal,e.g., 200 and 227 in FIG. 2 described herein, and/or a continuousdisplay shelf edge label devices and a database, e.g., 200 and 223 inFIG. 2 described herein.

Computing device 100 also may include a power source 113. Power source113 allows for the computing device to operate the processor 101 andvarious other components. Power source 113 may include a dedicatedbattery source or external power source, such as an AC sourceconnection. In other embodiments, power source 113 may be configured tooperate by harvesting energy for operation from ambient light in a storewhere the computing device is located. Light energy may be captured by avariety of means for conversion, such as by photo sensors, solarphotovoltaic panels, and photo diodes. Because the computing device 100may operate without an external source connection, movement of thecomputing device from one physical location to another physical locationcan be accomplished without the need to reconnect to another externalsource. Further, because the computing device 100 may operate without aninternal battery, the computing device does not need to be checked toensure operation nor need to have a technician replace the internalbattery.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate example block diagrams of systems forcommunicating and distributing content according to one or moreillustrative aspects of the disclosure. In the example of FIG. 2A, aplurality of computing devices, are shown operatively connected to anetwork 210. Network 210 may include network 110. Connected to network210 are shown three continuous display shelf edge label devices200A-200C. Continuous display shelf edge label devices 200A-200C may becomputing device 100 and/or may include one or more of the componentsdescribed therein. The three continuous display shelf edge label devices200A-200C may be along an aisle of a retailer's store. The threecontinuous display shelf edge label devices 200A-200C may be positionedabove each other as illustratively depicted in FIG. 2B.

Continuous display shelf edge label device 200A is shown as being incommunication with a scanner 221. Although illustratively shown as awireless communication, the transmission path between continuous displayshelf edge label device 200A and scanner 221 may be a wiredcommunication path, through network 210, and/or in some other manner.Scanner 221 may interact with continuous display shelf edge label device200A through a communication interface, such as input/output circuits109. Continuous display shelf edge label device 200A may be configuredto receive data representative of information about a product on a shelfwhere the continuous display shelf edge label device 200A is located. Anauthorized individual, such as a worker for the retailer, may desire toupdate pricing data currently being displayed about a product on theshelf. By interfacing with the scanner 221, the price data for aparticular product may be received electronically by the continuousdisplay shelf edge label device 200A. Illustrative manners fortransmission of such data include coding data for wireless transmissionand forwarding the data wirelessly to the continuous display shelf edgelabel device 200A. In one example, an individual may type in a price atscanner 221 and data representative of the price may be sent wirelesslyto the continuous display shelf edge label device 200A. The continuousdisplay shelf edge label device 200A may then update a user interfacefor a product corresponding to the price data as described herein.

Continuous display shelf edge label devices 200B and 200C are shown asbeing in communication with each other. Although illustratively shown asa wireless communication, the transmission path between continuousdisplay shelf edge label devices 200B and 200C may be a wiredcommunication path, through network 210, and/or in some other manner.Continuous display shelf edge label device 200B may interact withcontinuous display shelf edge label device 200C through a communicationinterface, such as input/output circuits 109. Continuous display shelfedge label device 200B may be configured to receive data representativeof information about a product on a shelf where the continuous displayshelf edge label device 200B is located. An authorized individual, suchas a worker for the retailer, may desire to update pricing datacurrently being displayed about a product on the shelf. By interfacingwith the continuous display shelf edge label device 200C, the price datafor a particular product may be received electronically by thecontinuous display shelf edge label device 200B. Such an interface maybe the worker swiping her finger across the display surface of thecontinuous display shelf edge label device 200C to initiate a movementinstruction to have a user interface from continuous display shelf edgelabel device 200C be transferred to continuous display shelf edge labeldevice 200B. In one example, the worker may press and hold a userinterface on continuous display shelf edge label device 200C and moveher finger up quickly in a flicking motion.

Such a motion may be interpreted by the system to transfer the flickeduser interface to the next shelf edge up. As such, because continuousdisplay shelf edge label device 200B is on the next shelf edge abovecontinuous display shelf edge label device 200C, the flicked userinterface can be added to the continuous display shelf edge label device200B. Illustrative manners for transmission of such data include codingdata for wired transmission and forwarding the data to the continuousdisplay shelf edge label device 200B.

Aspects of the interaction between a worker located near a shelf with ascanner 221 may be similarly implemented between a worker located remotefrom such a shelf. User terminal device 227 is shown operativelyconnected to continuous display shelf edge label devices 200A-200Cthrough network 210 and a main hub 225. Main hub 225 may be some type ofcentral processing server configured to accommodate transmission ofcommunications between various backend components of a retailer'snetwork, such as user terminals 227 and a database 223 and from abackend to a storefront end, such as to continuous display shelf edgelabel devices 200A-200C through network 210. Main hub 225, user terminal227, and/or database 223 may include one or more components of thecomputing device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1.

A worker at user terminal 227 may update pricing data, and/or otherdata, about a particular product on a particular shelf by accessing thecontinuous display shelf edge label device associated with that product.User terminal 227 may access database 223 for current productinformation for potential display and/or scheduled display. Instructionsmay be sent from user terminal 227 on such product information to theappropriate continuous display shelf edge label device. In anotherexample, continuous display shelf edge label devices 200A-200C mayaccess database 223 to obtain current product information data forrespective user interfaces on the continuous display shelf edge labeldevices. In one such example, database 223 may be periodically updatingwith pricing changes, such as by a worker through user terminal 227.Continuous display shelf edge label devices 200A-200C may periodicallypoll the database 223 to obtain current product information data andchange user interfaces being displayed as needed. In still otherembodiments, database 223, main hub 225, and/or user terminal 227periodically may push current product information data to continuousdisplay shelf edge label devices 200A-200C, either globally orspecifically. The continuous display shelf edge label devices 200A-200Cmay receive such data and change user interfaces being displayed asneeded.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus forcommunicating and distributing content according to one or moreillustrative aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a continuousdisplay shelf edge label device 300, such as continuous display shelfedge label devices 200A-200C. In this example, continuous display shelfedge label device 300 includes a single display area 301 oriented alongan entire edge of a shelf 350. Continuous display shelf edge labeldevice 300 also is shown to include a locking mechanism 303 that allowsan individual to change modes of operation of the continuous displayshelf edge label device 300 as described herein. In one mode, anauthorized individual may edit one or more user interfaces 311, 313, and315 while in a second mode, the user interfaces 311, 313, and 315 maynot be edited.

The single continuous display 301 is shown to include three separateuser interfaces that provide information regarding three separateproducts being offered for sale on the shelf 350. In this example, shelf350 holds a first product 321, a second product 323, and a third product325. Single continuous display 301 includes three digital userinterfaces, one for each respective product being offered for sale. Userinterface 311 provides information about first product 321 directlyabove the user interface 311. Similarly, user interfaces 313 and 315provide information about second product 323 and third product 325,respectively, that are above the respective user interfaces 313, 315.Any of a number of types of information about a product may be displayedon the single continuous display 301, including graphics, text,animations, video, and/or combinations.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate an example of a changing continuous displayaccording to one or more illustrative aspects of the disclosure. Thetransition from FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B illustrates one potential before andafter operation of changing the user interfaces of a single continuousdisplay. In FIG. 4A, a continuous display shelf edge label device 400 isshown for a shelf 350. Continuous shelf label device 400 may be one ofcontinuous display shelf edge label devices 200A-200C and 300.Continuous display shelf edge label device 400 includes a single displayarea 401 oriented along an entire edge of shelf 350. The singlecontinuous display 401 is shown to include three separate userinterfaces that provide information regarding three separate productsbeing offered for sale on the shelf 350.

For this illustrative example, a digital divider line 441 creates threeseparate visual frames for the three separate user interfaces 411A,413A, and 415. Digital divider line is not a physical line thatseparates two displays, rather it is a digital line that creates theappearance of separation of the single continuous display 401 intomultiple display areas. In this example, shelf 350 holds a first product421, a second product 423, and a third product 425. Single continuousdisplay 401 includes three digital user interfaces, one for eachrespective product being offered for sale. User interface 411A providesinformation about first product 421 directly above the user interface411. User interface 413A provides information about second product 423directly above user interface 413A, and user interface 415 providesinformation about third product 425 directly above user interface 415.

Transitioning to FIG. 4B, a worker may want to change the product layoutfor shelf 350 and in this example has removed the third product 425 fromshelf 350 and created a larger area on shelf 350 for first product 421to reside. Accordingly, the worker, as described herein, has changed theuser interfaces for the single continuous display 401 in response. Inthis example, because the location of the user interfaces have beenchanged, user interface 411B is now shown to have moved toward the rightside of the continuous display 401 since the first product 421 has beenmoved to the right side of shelf 350. Similarly, user interface 413B isshown to have been moved toward the left side of the continuous display401 since the second product 423 has been moved to the left side ofshelf 350. Because third product 425 is no longer being offered for saleon shelf 350, the user interface 415 for third product 425 has beendeleted from continuous display 401. In this example of FIG. 4B, becausethere are only two user interfaces 411B and 413B shown on continuousdisplay 401, only one digital divider line 441 is shown to frame out thetwo separate user interfaces 411B and 413B.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate example continuous displays with lockingmechanism according to one or more illustrative aspects of thedisclosure. As described herein, a locking mechanism may be included ona continuous display shelf edge label device in order to prevent anunauthorized individual from changing one or more parameters, such asdisplayed information, of a user interface displayed on the continuousdisplay shelf edge label device. Any of a number of preventive mannersmay be included herein and the following are but some illustrativeexamples. In FIG. 5A, a manual device input 503A, such as for a physicalkey, may be included in a continuous display shelf edge label device500A. By inserting a proper key, an authorized individual may change themode of operation of the continuous display shelf edge label device froma display mode to a change mode.

A display mode may be a mode of operation where the continuous displayshelf edge label device displays one or more interfaces on a singlecontinuous display and may even allow a user, such as a customer, toaccess the single continuous display for additional information. Such anaccess may be by touch. However, in a display mode, such a customercannot change a parameter of a user interface being displayed, such asthe size of the user interface, the shape of the user interface, or thelocation of the user interface on the single continuous display. Thecustomer can view and interact as allowed without having the ability tochange parameters of the display area for the user interface. A changemode may be a mode of operation where the continuous display shelf edgelabel device displays one or more interfaces on a single continuousdisplay and allows an authorized user, such as a worker, to change oneor more parameters of the single continuous display. Such an access maybe by touch as described herein. In a change mode, the worker can changea parameter of a user interface being displayed, such as the size of theuser interface, the shape of the user interface, or the location of theuser interface on the single continuous display. As such, a workereasily can modify any aspect of a user interface corresponding to aproduct at the point of sale.

FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate two other types of locking mechanisms. InFIG. 5B, a biometric scanner 503B, such as to scan prints of a finger,may be included in a continuous display shelf edge label device 500B. Bypressing a finger against the biometric scanner 503B, an authorizedindividual may change the mode of operation of the continuous displayshelf edge label device from a display mode to a change mode. In FIG.5C, a near field communication (NFC) reader 503C, such as to scan NFCenabled access cards of workers, may be included in a continuous displayshelf edge label device 500C. By pressing an NFC enabled access cardagainst the NFC reader 503C, an authorized individual may change themode of operation of the continuous display shelf edge label device froma display mode to a change mode.

FIGS. 5D-5F illustrates an example of a changing continuous display withlocking mechanism user interface according to one or more illustrativeaspects of the disclosure. In the example of FIGS. 5D-5F, a lockingmechanism is built into the continuous display shelf edge label device500D. In this example, a worker will enter a code to change the mode ofoperation of the continuous display shelf edge label device 500D. Asshown in FIG. 5D, a single continuous display 501D includes two userinterfaces 511 and 513 for respective products. Also shown in FIG. 5D isa lock icon 503D. Accessing lock icon 503D allows an authorizedindividual to change modes of operation of continuous display shelf edgelabel device 500D. By tapping on lock icon 503D, the worker may be shownwhat is seen in FIG. 5E. In FIG. 5E, a new user interface 503E appearsthat prompts an individual for entry of a code to authorize the changingof the modes of operation. By inserting a proper code in FIG. 5E, anauthorized individual may change the mode of operation of the continuousdisplay shelf edge label device 500D from a display mode to a changemode.

If the individual does not enter a proper code, the continuous displayshelf edge label device 500D may transition back to the appearance shownin FIG. 5D. However, if the individual does enter a proper code, thecontinuous display shelf edge label device 500D may change modes ofoperation to a change mode allowing the individual to change one or moreparameters of one or more user interfaces for products. Following anychanges, the individual does not enter a proper code, the continuousdisplay shelf edge label device 500D may transition back to a displaymode as shown in FIG. 5F. As shown, the individual has changed thelocation of user interface 511 and user interface 513 with respect toeach other on the single continuous display 501D. Locking icon 503D isshown as well.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate an example of a changing size of a user interfaceaccording to one or more illustrative aspects of the disclosure. In thisillustrative example, an authorized individual has accessed a change ofmode request in the continuous display shelf edge label device 600. Inthis example, continuous display shelf edge label device 600 includes asingle continuous display 601 oriented along an entire edge of a shelf.FIG. 6A may illustrate two user interfaces 611 and 613A prior to achange of a parameter of the user interface 613A. In this example, theshape of the border of each user interface 611 and 613A are different aswell has the size of the text within the border. Through one or more ofthe operations described herein, FIG. 6B illustrates what the continuousdisplay shelf edge label device 600 may resemble after a changeoperation to change the size of the user interface 613A. As shown inFIG. 6B, user interface 613B has the text within it reduced in size.Transitioning from FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B, an authorized individual haschanged a parameter, the large size of text, of user interface 613A tothe parameter, the smaller size of text, of user interface 613B.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate an example of a changing shape of a userinterface according to one or more illustrative aspects of thedisclosure. In this illustrative example, an authorized individual hasaccessed a change of mode request in the continuous display shelf edgelabel device 700. In this example, continuous display shelf edge labeldevice 700 includes a single continuous display 701 oriented along anentire edge of a shelf. FIG. 7A may illustrate two user interfaces 711and 713A prior to a change of a parameter of the user interface 713A. Inthis example, the shape of the border of each user interface 711 and713A are different as well has the size of the text within the border.Through one or more of the operations described herein, FIG. 7Billustrates what the continuous display shelf edge label device 700 mayresemble after a change operation to change the shape of the border ofuser interface 713A. As shown in FIG. 7B, user interface 713B has theshape of the border of the user interface different in appearance.Transitioning from FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B, an authorized individual haschanged a parameter, the rectangular shape, of the border of userinterface 713A to the parameter, the rounded edge cornered rectanglewith pointed ends shape, of the border of user interface 713B.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example of a changing location of userinterfaces according to one or more illustrative aspects of thedisclosure. In this illustrative example, an authorized individual hasaccessed a change of mode request in the continuous display shelf edgelabel device 800. In this example, continuous display shelf edge labeldevice 800 includes a single continuous display 801 oriented along anentire edge of a shelf. FIG. 8A may illustrate two user interfaces 811Aand 813A prior to a change of a parameter of the user interfaces 811Aand 813A. In this example, the position of each user interface 811A and813A within the single continuous display 801 are changed. Through oneor more of the operations described herein, FIG. 8B illustrates what thecontinuous display shelf edge label device 800 may resemble after achange operation to change the position of the two user interfaces 811Aand 813A. As shown in FIG. 8B, user interface 813B has changedpositional orientation with respect to user interface 811B within thesingle continuous display 801. Transitioning from FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B, anauthorized individual has changed two parameters, the positions of eachof the user interfaces 811A and 813A to the two parameters, thepositions of each of the user interfaces 811B and 813B.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example method of distributing content accordingto one or more illustrative aspects of the disclosure. In one example,one or more of the steps of FIG. 9 may be implemented by computingdevice 100 in FIG. 1 and/or a device shown in FIGS. 2A-8B. The processstarts and at step 901 a continuous display shelf edge label deviceoutputs, via a single continuous display, two or more user interfaces,each user interface corresponding to a product being offered for sale.Such an example is shown in FIG. 3. Proceeding to step 903 adetermination is made as to whether a change of mode of the continuousdisplay shelf edge label device has been authorized. Such an example maybe a worker inserting placing her finger at biometric scanner 503B inFIG. 5B and having the system realize that she is authorized to changethe mode of operation of the continuous display shelf edge label device.

If the change of mode of operation is not authorized in step 903, theprocess moves to step 905 where there is no instruction to change themode of operation and the process returns to step 901 to output, via thesingle continuous display, two or more user interfaces, each userinterface corresponding to a product being offered for sale. If thechange of mode of operation is authorized in step 903, the process movesto step 907 where an additional determination is made. In step 907 adetermination is made as to whether a change of parameter input has beenreceived. An illustrative example of a change of parameter is shown withrespect to FIGS. 6A and 6B, FIGS. 7A and 7B, and/or FIGS. 8A and 8B. Ifthere is not change of parameter input received, the process moves tostep 909. If a change of parameter input is received in step 907, theprocess move to step 911 where the change of parameter, such asincreasing the size of text of a user interface, is implemented on therequested user interface. The process then proceeds to step 913.

Returning to step 909, a further determination is made as to whether aninput has been received to remove and/or add a user interface for aproduct. Such an illustrative example is shown with the removal of userinterface 415 from FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B. If no input has been received instep 909, the process may return to step 905 and further may exit from achange mode of operation to a display mode of operation before returningto step 901. If an input is received in step 909, the process moves tostep 915 where the user interface that the input applies to is eitheradded or removed based upon the input. The process then proceeds to step913.

In step 913 a determination is made as to whether additional changes inthe change mode of operation are requested. If there are additionalchanges requested, the process may return to step 907. If additionalchanges are not requested, the process proceeds to step 917. In step917, operation of the continuous display shelf edge label device from achange mode of operation to a display mode of operation occurs beforereturning to step 901 to output, via the single continuous display, twoor more user interfaces, each user interface corresponding to a productbeing offered for sale and in accordance with any changes that may havebeen implemented.

FIG. 10 illustrates another example method of distributing contentaccording to one or more illustrative aspects of the disclosure. In oneexample, one or more of the steps of FIG. 10 may be implemented bycomputing device 100 in FIG. 1 and/or a device shown in FIGS. 2A-8B. Theprocess starts and at step 1001 two continuous display shelf edge labeldevices each outputs, via a single continuous display, two or more userinterfaces, each user interface corresponding to a product being offeredfor sale. Such an example is shown in FIG. 2B. Proceeding to step 1003,a determination is made as to whether data is being received by one ofthe continuous display shelf edge label devices. If not, the process mayreturn to step 1001. If data is being received in step 1003, the processmoves to step 1005.

In step 1005 the continuous display shelf edge label device confirms theauthorization of the data. For example, the system may confirm that thedata being received is for the continuous display shelf edge labeldevice. If the data is a global transmission from a database, such asdatabase 223 in FIG. 2A, the continuous display shelf edge label devicemay determine that the data being received in step 1003 is not intendedfor the continuous display shelf edge label device. Upon confirming heauthorization of the data in step 1005, the process moves to step 1007where the origin of the data may be determined. For example, thecontinuous display shelf edge label device may determine that the datais being received locally from a wireless communication received from ascanner, such as scanner 221 in FIG. 2A. In another example, thecontinuous display shelf edge label device may determine that the datais being received remotely from a wired communication received from auser terminal, such as user terminal 227 through main hub 225 andnetwork 210 in FIG. 2A.

Moving to step 1009, a determination may be made as to whether a changeto one or more user interfaces currently being outputted, via a singlecontinuous display, by the continuous display shelf edge label device isneeded. For example, if the data received in step 1003 and confirmed asapplying to the continuous display shelf edge label device in step 1005may include a change in price of a product associated with a userinterface being outputted. If no change is needed in step 1009, theprocess may return to step 1001. If a change to one or more userinterfaces currently being outputted, via the single continuous display,by the continuous display shelf edge label device is needed in step1009, the process moves to step 1011 where the one or more changes toone or more user interfaces currently being outputted, via the singlecontinuous display, by the continuous display shelf edge label device isimplemented. Thereafter, the process may return to step 1001 where thetwo continuous display shelf edge label devices each outputs, via asingle continuous display, two or more user interfaces, each userinterface corresponding to a product being offered for sale, where eachuser interface of the continuous display shelf edge label device thatreceived data in step 1003 outputs one or more user interfaces inaccordance with any changes that may have been implemented in step 1011.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example block diagram of a system forcommunicating and distributing content according to one or moreillustrative aspects of the disclosure. In one example, one or more ofthe components of FIG. 11 may be implemented by computing device 100 inFIG. 1 and/or one or more of devices shown in FIGS. 2A-10. In thisexample, a system 1100 of multiple continuous display shelf edge labeldevices are shown in operation together. In this example, there are fourcontinuous display shelf edge label devices. Each continuous displayshelf edge label device includes a single display area 1101A-1101Doriented along an entire edge of a shelf 1150A-1150D. Further in thisexample, shelves 1150A-D each hold a first product 1121A-1121D, a secondproduct 1123A-D, and a third product 1125A-D, respectively. Singlecontinuous displays 1101A-D each includes three digital user interfaces,one for each respective product being offered for sale. User interfaces1111A-D provide information about first product 1121A-D directly abovethe user interface 1111A-D, respectively. Similarly, user interfaces1113A-D and 1115A-D provide information about second product 1123A-D andthird product 1125A-D, respectively, that are above the respective userinterfaces 1113A-D, 1115A-D.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure, thevarious continuous display shelf edge label devices could operate inunison for providing additional information to a customer. By having thecontinuous display shelf edge label devices arranged in side by side(1101A and 1101B or 1101C and 1101D) orientation and stacked on top ofeach other like shelves (1101A and 1101C or 1101B and 1101D), an arrayof continuous display shelf edge label devices may be configured. In theillustrative example of FIG. 11, there are four continuous display shelfedge label devices arranged as an array of 2×2, two rows and two columnsof continuous display shelf edge label devices. Any of a number ofadditional arrangements may be made, including, but not limited to 4×1,3×4, 3×3, and 4×4 configurations.

By configuring various continuous display shelf edge label devices tooperate together, a retailer may utilize the displays to attractcustomers in any of a number of desired manners. Such configurations maybe utilized to promote a single product, a single type of product, asingle brand name, and the like. Animations and/or graphics may beimplemented that span across multiple continuous display shelf edgelabel devices. Different outputs on the displays of the continuousdisplay shelf edge label devices may be implemented based upon detectingthe presence of a customer at an aisle, near a particular continuousdisplay shelf edge label device, and/or at some other location in aretailer store. As described herein, different display modes may beimplemented depending on the desired result and/or effect.

In one such example, every 10-15 seconds the display on one or morecontinuous display shelf edge label devices may change what is outputtedin some way. In still other examples, one or more continuous displayshelf edge label devices may remain constant in a displayed outputacting as a very vibrant billboard. Whether the displayed output ismoving or serving as a more constant billboard, continuous display shelfedge label devices could operate together.

In one embodiment, a customer may see and be attracted to such changingdisplayed output or stationary displayed output from further away. Thechanging displayed output or stationary displayed output may be a firstdisplay mode of operation. In response, she may approach a shelf. As sheapproaches the shelf, one or more continuous display shelf edge labeldevices may sense her presence, such as by a proximity sensor, and mayswitch to another mode of display. In such an example, specificadvertising for a product may appear, such as for a product associatedwith the continuous display shelf edge label devices. Such advertisingmay be a notice of the product being on sale. Once the customer is infront of a particular continuous display shelf edge label device for agiven period of time, such as 3-5 seconds, the continuous display shelfedge label device may switch to yet another mode of display where SKUspecific pricing and packaging information may appear under eachproduct.

In still other illustrative embodiments, a continuous display shelf edgelabel device may operate with a pusher assembly that is included with ashelf on which the continuous display shelf edge label device isoriented. The pusher assembly may include a pusher configured to placepressure behind a stack of products and push the stack forward towardsthe front of the shelf when a product is removed from the stack. Such apusher assembly may include one or more components to determine aposition of the pusher with respect to some portion of the assembly. Forexample, the stack of products may be able to fit 10 products.Integrated in the pusher assembly may be a floor that includes a trackercomponent at each of the 10 positions that the pusher may be configuredto operate with the product. As the pusher reaches a tracker component,data regarding the position of the pusher may be known and such data maybe transmitted to the continuous display shelf edge label device.

Similarly, other data may be determined and transferred as needed aswell. For example, a movement of the pusher with respect to the shelfand/or the pusher assembly may be determined. Such a determination maybe based upon a position and may include a timer component for use indetermining the movement. In addition, in still other examples, a rateof change in a product level of a product associated with the continuousdisplay shelf edge label device may be determined. In such an example, ashelf originally stocked with 50 items of a product is determined toonly have 15 items of the product remaining after a period of time, suchas an hour, a notice may be sent to a worker of the retailer to restockthe product on the shelf. Similarly, such data may be sent to acontinuous display shelf edge label device for changing a user interfaceassociated with the product. For the same example, having received thedata regarding only 15 items of a product remaining, the user interfaceof the continuous display shelf edge label device may be configured tochange information. In some examples, a flashing/blinking display outputof “Final 15 Left In Stock!” may be displayed, or a display output mayautomatically lower the price on the user interface by 10%, or a displaymay flash/blink upon determining the presence of a worker in the area ofthe continuous display shelf edge label device. The continuous displayshelf edge label device may sense the presence of a worker, such as bysensing a NFC enabled access card of the worker being within a sensingrange of a sensor associated with and/or included within the continuousdisplay shelf edge label device.

Other data may be communicated to and/or determined by a continuousdisplay shelf edge label device from a pusher and/or a pusher assembly.For example, a continuous display shelf edge label device may beprogrammed with data about a product that it is associated with and/ormay access such data from a local or remote source, such as database 223in FIG. 2A. In one example, the product may have an expiration data. Forexample, the product may be milk and the particular products on theshelf for sale may all have a same expiration date. A threshold may beestablished to track the number of milk items remaining against theexpiration date in order to move the milk items off of the shelf,whether to customers or for newer milk items with later expirationdates. In one scenario, the system may lower the price of the milk asthe time until the expiration date is met lowers to a threshold. If theexpiration date is a week away, the continuous display shelf edge labeldevice may output a price for the milk of $2. When the expiration dateis 4 days away, the price may be reduced by 10% or dropped in price by$0.25. Should some milk remain when the expiration date is 2 days away,the price may be reduced by 50% or dropped in price by $1. In stillother scenarios, as the expiration date approaches a threshold, noticemay be provided in some manner to a worker for the retailer. The workermay receive a text or email, a notice on a handheld scanner, and/or insome other manner that the milk needs to be replaced or may soon need tobe replaced.

Other illustrative information about a product may be communicated toand/or determined by a continuous display shelf edge label device from apusher and/or a pusher assembly as well. Such examples includedetermining the amount of product remaining for another product andchanging a user interface of the continuous display shelf edge labeldevice in response. For example, a continuous display shelf edge labeldevice may determine or receive data from another continuous displayshelf edge label device about a competitive product and/or relatedproduct (such as toothpastes to toothbrushes). Utilizing such data, thecontinuous display shelf edge label device may change a user interfacefor a product associated with it, such as the price of the product,accordingly. In this manner, algorithms may be established for handlingwhen and under what circumstances a price change may occur automaticallyat the continuous display shelf edge label device. The continuousdisplay shelf edge label device may access a remote source forauthorization to do so and/or make the determination itself that theuser interface for a product should be changed. Accordingly, a pricereduction may occur for a product if it is determined that acompetitor's product is moving off a shelf in a much quicker manner thanthe product is moving.

The various features described above are merely non-limiting examples,and can be rearranged, combined, subdivided, omitted, and/or altered inany desired manner. For example, features of the computing devicedescribed herein (which may be one the devices illustrated in FIG. 1)can be subdivided among multiple processors and computing devices. Thetrue scope of this patent should only be defined by the claims thatfollow.

What is claimed:
 1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; adigital display wherein the digital display is a single continuousdisplay oriented along an entire edge of a shelf of a retailer, thedigital display configured to: output, a plurality of information from afirst display mode of operation, provide a user interface, and permit,an individual to edit a parameter of the user interface; at least onememory storing computer executable instructions that, when executed bythe at least one processor, cause the apparatus to output, to thedigital display, the plurality of information; and a wirelesscommunication interface configured to receive data representative of theplurality of information from a wireless network.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the digital display is configured to be removed fromthe entire edge of a shelf of the retailer.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the digital display is a touchscreen display, and wherein thedigital display is further configured to permit the individual by touchto edit the parameter of the user interface by touching the digitaldisplay.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the digital display isfurther configured to operate together with a plurality of digitaldisplays.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a proximitysensor.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the proximity sensor isconfigured to detect a presence of a customer, wherein the first displaymode of operation switches to a second display mode of operation upondetection of the presence of the customer, and wherein the digitaldisplay outputs a plurality of information from the second display modeof operation.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the proximity sensordetects that the customer is in front of the digital display, whereinthe second display mode of operation switches to a third display mode ofoperation upon detection of the customer in front of the digitaldisplay, and wherein the digital display outputs a plurality ofinformation from the third display mode of operation.
 8. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the plurality of information from the first displaymode of operation is a video, a promotion, dynamic content, animation,graphics, text, a brand name, a type of product, an advertisement for aproduct, sale information, pricing information, or packaginginformation.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality ofinformation from the second display mode of operation is a video, apromotion, dynamic content, animation, graphics, text, a brand name, atype of product, an advertisement for a product, sale information,pricing information, or packaging information.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the plurality of information from the third displaymode of operation is a video, a promotion, dynamic content, animation,graphics, text, a brand name, a type of product, an advertisement for aproduct, sale information, pricing information, or packaginginformation.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the digital displayis further configured to automatically change the plurality ofinformation output by the digital display, and wherein the plurality ofinformation includes a price.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one camera configured for a capture of imaging. 13.The apparatus of claim 1, further configured to determine an amount of aproduct remaining on the shelf of the retailer.
 14. A method comprising:providing on a shelf of a retailer a shelf edge label digital displayconfigured to be removably mounted along an edge of the shelf whereinthe digital display is a single continuous display; outputting on thedigital display a plurality of information from a first display mode ofoperation; providing on the digital display a user interface; permittingan individual to edit a parameter of the user interface; and providing awireless communication interface configured to receive datarepresentative of the plurality of information from a wireless network.15. The method of claim 14, wherein the digital display is a touchscreendisplay, and wherein the permitting, through the display, the individualto edit the parameter of the user interface by touching the touchscreendisplay.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising the digitaldisplay operating together with a plurality of digital displays.
 17. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising providing a proximity sensor,wherein the proximity sensor is configured to detect a presence of acustomer, wherein the outputting on the digital display the plurality ofinformation from the first display mode of operation switches tooutputting a plurality of information from a second display mode ofoperation upon detection of the presence of the customer.
 18. The methodof claim 17, wherein the proximity sensor is further configured todetect that the customer is in front of the digital display, wherein theoutputting on the digital display the plurality of information from thesecond display mode of operation switches to outputting a plurality ofinformation from a third display mode of operation upon detection of thecustomer in front of the digital display.
 19. The method of claim 14,wherein the outputting of the plurality of information from the firstdisplay mode of operation is a video, dynamic content, a promotion,animation, graphics, text, a brand name, a type of product, anadvertisement for a product, sale information, pricing information, orpackaging information.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein theoutputting of the plurality of information from the second display modeof operation is a video, dynamic content, a promotion, animation,graphics, text, a brand name, a type of product, an advertisement for aproduct, sale information, pricing information, or packaginginformation.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein the outputting of theplurality of information from the third display mode of operation is avideo, dynamic content, a promotion, animation, graphics, text, a brandname, a type of product, an advertisement for a product, saleinformation, pricing information, or packaging information.
 22. Themethod of claim 18, further comprising automatically changing theplurality of information output by the digital display, and wherein theplurality of information includes a price.
 23. The method of claim 14,further comprising providing at least one camera for the capture ofimaging.
 24. The method of claim 14, further comprising determining anamount of a product remaining on the shelf of the retailer.
 25. One ormore non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions storedthereon associated with a digital display, wherein the digital displayis a single continuous display and configured to be removably mountedalong an entire edge of a shelf of a retailer, that, when executed,cause at least one computing device to: output to the digital display aplurality of information from a first display mode of operation; outputto the digital display a plurality of information from a second displaymode of operation; output to the digital display a plurality ofinformation from a third display mode of operation; provide a userinterface; permit, an individual to edit a parameter of the userinterface; and receive data representative of the plurality ofinformation from a wireless network.